The Whitewater community expresses kindness through many events, but did you know there’s a gallery based on kindness, a painting event dedicated to pride and even performances by the music professors on campus?
Whitewater Arts Alliance
“The title ‘Let Kindness Be My Muse’ came from a sense of creating, harmony and peace,” said Dwight Watson.
Watson was responsible for formatting the gallery and creating the title. This gallery features bright and colorful pieces from young artists within the community, ranging from elementary to high school.
“This gallery is a great opportunity for students to show off their work publicly while having a sense of pride as their supporters see their art being hung up,” said gallery director Kim Adams.
This gallery can give its audience a sense of inspiration and a celebration of the new and upcoming artists within the community.
“The goal of the Art Alliance is to exhibit the work of individuals across different media while showcasing and celebrating their art through the community,” said Adams.
The Art Alliance is hoping to gain more members to build more collaborative projects and hopes the university’s students will come and support the art within the community. A partner for this gallery is Be Kind Whitewater, which hosted an event including Whitewater Pride in their third annual painting party.
“We will be painting a bird’s-eye view of a beach scene with colorful umbrellas and towels that the participants can customize to the colors of their flags or include multiple representations of their allyship,” said Harlan Camden.
Camden described this event as fun, inclusive and able to spread kindness through the community, including multigenerational and diverse people who all share a passion for art or creativity.
“Whitewater Pride consists of a group of community members whose mission is to foster diversity, inclusion, and pride in our community. One hundred percent of all donations go back into our community,” said Camden.
Whitewater Pride’s vision is to create a safe space within the community for young and old to feel loved and be able to celebrate being queer through free fundraising events.
UW-W Art
“At UW-Whitewater, kindness isn’t just a value — it’s part of our creative DNA. In the College of Arts and Communication, we see the arts as disciplines and tools for connection, healing and change. Let’s be honest, the world could use a little more of all three,” said Dean Michael Dugan.
Dugan expressed art as a way to give people permission to feel, reflect and support others, no matter what form of art is represented. Dugan mentioned how the Warhawk Marching Band spreads kindness by showcasing school spirit and support. He expressed how theatre isn’t just a source of entertainment but a vehicle for kindness that builds empathy and strengthens the community.
“Connecting is what makes us human. The first sound that a human hears is the heartbeat of their mother. Even in an early stage of life, we have a sense of rhythm, time and tempo,” said clarinet professor Christian Ellenwood.
Ellenwood’s primary goal in music is to build a connection with the audience through his music. He describes music as breaking a barrier of fear that keeps us apart and helps us treat each other better and realize that we are more alike than we think we are.
“Whether at concerts, street performances or even singing along with friends, music brings people together. Those shared moments often lead to connection and compassion, even among strangers,” said assistant professor Matthew Onstad.
Onstad expressed how music can hit us in the heart where words or logic sometimes can’t. Art can encourage creativity, expression and inclusivity. Onstad also added how he wouldn’t be in the field of music education or be performing if it weren’t for spreading kindness throughout his journey.
“I tend to find it easy to show my emotions while performing and teaching music, simply because I have experienced a lot of life that has made me a vulnerable and emotional human being,” said Onstad. “It’s a wonderful gift to have the opportunity to share and express those emotions on stage, in my teaching studio and in the community.”
Art is an important way to spread kindness and can help provoke emotions that we aren’t able to feel or express otherwise. Art is also a source of healing and sometimes saves people from a darker place in their lives.
